Synovial chondromatosis of the hand: Three case reports and literature review

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition that is probably caused by synovial connective tissue metaplasia. It is very rare in the hand and wrist and because of its low prevalence and nonspecific symptoms, synovial chondromatosis can present diagnostic difficulties for the hand surgeon and may lead to a delay in treatment. We review the literature and report three additional cases of synovial chondromatosis in the hand.     

Synovial chondromatosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint

We describe a case of synovial chondromatosis in a metacarpophalangeal joint with invasion of local structures. The degree of local tissue involvement was not demonstrated on the preoperative MRI scans. This case highlights that synovial chondromatosis can be invasive and that even the best preoperative imaging may not demonstrate this.     

Giant solitary synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint with intracranial extension

Synovial chondromatosis are rare entities but are well-described lesions in the literature that can affect many joint areas of the body. A case of tumoral synovial chondromatosis involving the temporomandibular joint with intracranial extension through mandibular fossa is reported. As long as there was significant infratemporal and extradural invasion of the middle and posterior fossa, a transtemporal and infratemporal approach was performed and total removal of the lesions was achieved. A brief review of skull base synovial chondromatosis is presented.     

Giant Solitary Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint with Intracranial Extension

Synovial chondromatosis are rare entities but are well-described lesions in the literature that can affect many joint areas of the body. A case of tumoral synovial chondromatosis involving the temporomandibular joint with intracranial extension through mandibular fossa is reported. As long as there was significant infratemporal and extradural invasion of the middle and posterior fossa, a transtemporal and infratemporal approach was performed and total removal of the lesions was achieved. A brief review of skull base synovial chondromatosis is presented.     

Synovial chondromatosis in a facet joint of a cervical vertebra

STUDY DESIGN: A case report of a cervical facet joint synovial chondromatosis. OBJECTIVES: To correlate the radiologic and histologic features of vertebral synovial chondromatosis with review of the literature. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Only two previous cases of vertebral facet joint synovial chondromatosis were found in a review of the English language medical literature. METHODS: A 39-year-old woman had severe cervical pain associated with neurologic signs and symptoms in the left upper extremity. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed. RESULTS: Imaging studies showed lytic defects in the laminae of C3 and C4, with intermediate T1 and high T2 signal intensities. The diagnostic impression was that of a lymphangioma or synovial cyst. A laminectomy showed synovial tissue in both the C3-C4 facet joint and the lamina bone. Histologic examination disclosed synovial chondromatosis. CONCLUSIONS: Synovial chondromatosis of the vertebral spine is quite rare, this being only the third reported example. Direct invasion of the cancellous bone, as in this case, also is a very uncommon feature of chondromatosis. It is emphasized that when radiologic studies demonstrate a lesion with cartilaginous characteristics within or juxtaposed to a joint, synovial chondromatosis, despite its rarity, should be included in the differential diagnosis, regardless of the anatomic site.     

Synovial chondromatosis of the elbow causing a mechanical block to range of motion: a case report and review of the literature

We report a unique case of elbow synovial chondromatosis with sudden onset of severe loss of elbow extension and flexion range of motion caused by mechanical block from deposition of chondral fragments in the olecranon and coronoid fossae, respectively. We performed successful arthroscopic surgical treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the elbow. Arthroscopy examination revealed an acutely evolving synovial chondromatosis. Three-year follow-up indicated that arthroscopic removal of loose bodies and partial synovectomy can yield lasting improvement in motion without disease recurrence.     

Synovial chondromatosis of the elbow

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon disorder with rare occurrence in the elbow. Case reports in the literature for elbow synovial chondromatosis have described presenting symptoms secondary to peripheral nerve compressions or localized bursitis. We discuss a case of synovial chondromatosis of the elbow that presented as an isolated soft-tissue mass over the radial head-more suggestive of a soft-tissue tumor than of synovial chondromatosis.     

Diagnosis and Arthroscopic Treatment of Primary Synovial Chondromatosis of the Shoulder

Primary synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder is a rare condition. We present the case of a 24-year-old man with a 6-month history of right shoulder pain and decreased range of motion. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings led us to the diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder. Arthroscopy revealed loose bodies in the glenohumeral joint, the biceps tendon sheath, and the subscapularis recess. Active intrasynovial proliferation of the axillary pouch was noted. All loose bodies were removed arthroscopically, and partial synovectomy was performed. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of primary synovial chondromatosis. We recommend arthroscopic treatment for synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder because of low morbidity and early functional return.     

New-Onset Synovial Chondromatosis After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total joint arthroplasty is commonly recommended as a definitive treatment for synovial chondromatosis refractory to other treatment. We describe a unique case of synovial chondromatosis developing after total joint arthroplasty in a patient presenting 5 years after total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. This case illustrates that the diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis cannot be excluded in a patient with chronic, painful swelling of a joint, even after total joint arthroplasty.     

Synovial chondromatosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint: case report and review of the literature

Intra-articular synovial chondromatosis in the hand is rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a swollen, stiff or painful joint. Other possible diagnoses include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, trauma and chronic infection, and unless enchondral ossification of loose bodies is seen the diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis may not be made preoperatively. A 69-year-old man with synovial chondromatosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint is reported. The joint was swollen and tender. He had not sustained trauma and there was no evidence of arthritis, involvement of other joints or infection. Complete synovectomy with removal of all loose bodies was successful and his symptoms resolved. Intra-articular synovial chondromatosis is a benign condition, but spontaneous resolution is the exception and surgical synovectomy remains the most effective treatment.     

髋关节原发性滑膜软骨瘤病的诊断与治疗

目的 探讨髋关节原发性滑膜软骨瘤病的早期诊断与手术疗效。方法 5例髋关节原发性滑膜软骨瘤病患者,左侧2例,右侧3例,采用髋关节后外侧入路加大转子截骨入路显露髋关节,其中4例行单纯游离体摘除术,1例行病变滑膜切切除加游离体摘除术。结果 随访时间6-36个月,平均18个月。治愈3例,好转1例,未愈1例。结论 该病早期诊断困难,临床、放射学及病理检查相结合是确诊关键;采用髋关节后外侧入路加大转子截骨显露术摘除游离体、切除病变滑膜,疗效确切。     

Synovial chondromatosis of the acromioclavicular joint

Summary Synovial chondromatosis involving the acromioclavicular joint is very rare. We report a case of synovial chondromatosis of the acromioclavicular joint associated with synovial cyst formation. Arthrography of the acromioclavicular joint revealed that the loose bodies lay within a synovial cyst which was in communication with the acromioclavicular joint. Synovectomy including removal of the synovial cyst and the loose bodies relieved symptoms completely. The patient was still pain- and recurrence-free at 4 years' follow-up.     

Stones around bones! atypical giant synovial chondromatosis: a rare case report

We report a case of a 56-year-old man with painless synovial chondromatosis presenting as extremely large masses with smooth surfaces at the suprapatellar region on both side related to the right knee joint. The large masses at the suprapatellar region both in the medial and in the lateral aspect of the knee along with restriction of movements were the main complaints reported by the patient. Plain X-ray studies revealed punctate calcifications anteriorly and on both sides of the knee joint. Surgery was performed subsequently which showed multiple rocky hard giant chondroid masses around the knee without any nodularity. Synovial chondromatosis usually present with small nodular masses, but in our case the masses were very large and had smooth surfaces which were very unusual. After 6 months following the surgery, the patient had full range of motion and no complaints. We suggest that synovial chondromatosis may present as huge masses with smooth surfaces which can mimic as tumors. The Surgeon should be aware of this pattern of appearance of synovial chondromatosis.     

Giant synovial osteochondromatosis of the acromio-clavicular joint in a child. A case report and review of the literature

Primary intra-articular synovial chondromatosis represents an uncommon condition involving mainly the large joints predominantly of middle-aged adults. We herein document the first case of synovial chondromatosis affecting the acromio-clavicular joint of a 10-year-old girl, characterized by a solitary huge intra-articular osteochondromatous body (giant synovial chondromatosis) that had caused dislocation and deformation of the lateral portion of the clavicle. Successful surgical treatment consisted of removal of the osteochondral body and replacement of the clavicle by fixation with a K-wire.     

Synovial Chondrosarcoma Arising in Synovial Chondromatosis of the Temporomandibular Joint

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint is rare. Even less commonly documented is the progression of synovial chondromatosis to a synovial chondrosarcoma. The aim of this paper is to present only the third case of synovial chondrosarcoma of the temporomandibular joint. Distinction between these two entities by histology alone is extremely difficult and even though it is advised that the definitive diagnosis should be based on clinical, radiographic and histological evidence, this has proved not to be so simple. The patient, a 63 year old female presented with a swelling associated with her left temporomandibular joint. CT and MRI scans confirmed the presence of a periauricular chondroid mass. Fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed an atypical chondroid lesion that was supicious for a chondrosarcoma. The left temporomandibular joint and surrounding tissues were resected after further imaging and extensive clinical, radiological and cytologic consultations. A diagnosis of synovial chondrosarcoma arising in synovial chondromatosis was made.     

Rezidivierende synoviale Chondromatose im Tarsometatarsalgelenk

Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare and usually monarticular metaplasia of the synovia. It may recur, but the tendency to malignant transformation is very low. The radiological and histopathological differentiation from low grade chondrosarcoma can be difficult. We present a case report of a 32-year-old male with synovial chondromatosis in the tarsometatarsal joint area, which is an uncommon localization.     

Vertebral synovial chondromatosis. Report of two cases and review of the literature

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules within the synovium, most commonly affecting large joints. Its involvement with the spine is rare; only six cases have been reported. The authors describe two patients with synovial chondromatosis involving the cervical spine. In the first case, synovial chondromatosis arose from the left C1-2 facet joint. This patient underwent a two-stage procedure including a posterior approach for tumor resection and occipitocervical fusion as well as a transmandibular circumglossal approach to the anterior craniocervical junction to complete the tumor removal. Interestingly, on histopathological examination, scattered foci of low-grade chondrosarcoma were intermixed within the synovial chondromatosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of secondary low-grade chondrosarcoma arising in vertebral synovial chondromatosis. In the second case, synovial chondromatosis involved the left C4-5 facet joint. Tumor resection and cervical fusion were performed via a posterior approach. In this report, the authors describe the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, operative details, histopathological features, and clinicoradiological follow-up data obtained in these two patients and review the literature pertaining to this rare entity.     

Synovial chondromatosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon condition, characterized by multinodular cartilagineous proliferation of the joint synovium. There are only a few case reports of synovial chondromatosis involving the hand in the literature. A case of synovial chondromatosis of the ring finger is reported in this paper.     

关节镜下肘关节滑膜软骨瘤病的诊断和治疗

目的探讨肘关节滑膜软骨瘤病的临床特点及关节镜术在该病诊断和治疗中的应用价值、操作要点及临床疗效。方法 1997年1月～2007年1月15例肘关节滑膜软骨瘤病患者行关节镜下清理术,术前所有患者均有不同程度的疼痛及活动受限,10例患者有关节绞锁病史。术中采用多入路结合清除关节内游离体及病变滑膜。采用改良HSS肘关节评分作为疗效评定标准。结果 15例患者随访2.5～12年(平均5.6年)。肘关节平均伸屈活动范围从术前的(85.6±11.3)°提高到术后的(121.2±10.1)°。肘关节疼痛、肿胀症状减轻,关节绞锁消失。改良HSS评分由术前的(48.2±13.6)分提高到术后的(79.8±12.5)分。6例患者非常满意,7例满意,2例不满意,满意率为86.7%。结论关节镜下关节清理术治疗肘关节滑膜软骨瘤病可取得良好效果,适当的入路选择、规范的镜下操作和病变滑膜的彻底清除是影响疗效和预防复发的关键。     

Disseminated synovial chondromatosis of the knee treated by open radical synovectomy using combined anterior and posterior approaches

Synovial chondromatosis of the knee is a rare benign neoplasm of the synovium. Likewise, uncertainty on management still prevails. Though rare, it nevertheless warrants greater emphasis than it receives in the literature to allow correct diagnosis and accurate early surgical intervention. It predominantly involves the anterior compartment of the knee and disseminated disease is extremely rare. The optimal approach for surgical treatment of such an extensive synovial chondromatosis of knee remains unclear. Herein, we describe a case of extensive generalized synovial chondromatosis of the knee extending into the Baker''s cyst in a 30 years old female. A diagnosis of synovial chondromatosis was made by clinical evaluation and MR imaging and confirmed by histopathological examination. Patient was successfully treated by open radical synovectomy of knee using both anterior and posterior approaches in a single step procedure.